Paolo Valenciano wants to be his own man

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – Paolo Valenciano, the first-born son of "Mr. Pure Energy" Gary Valenciano, has admitted that he does not want to live under his father’s shadow.

Unlike his brother Gab who is following their father’s footsteps, Paolo told “Kris TV” that he has always seen himself finding his own identity despite the pressure around him.

“Ever since I was young, I just didn’t feel na parang [I wanted to be just like my dad]. There was a lot of pressure eh, siyempre you have to be like Gary V,” he said.

According to him, he would rather allow his younger brother to follow their father's footsteps.

He explained, “Si Gab, at like 3 years old pa lang, he already wanted to be Gary V, so it was like I didn’t see myself na pumapasok sa showbiz and all that so parang ayun, I just decided na let Gab be Gab.”

Meanwhile, their father said they don't have a problem with Paolo's decision to tread a different path. Valenciano said he is supportive about it.

“Paolo is the one na talagang sinabi ko one time ‘Paolo you don’t have to sing like me. You don’t have to talk and walk and dress up like me. You don’t ever have to do that,’” he said.

Now that Paolo has become his own man, Gary said he couldn’t be happier.

Paolo is the lead vocalist of the band “Salamin” and is also the frontman of rock band “Rivermaya” for the last 4 months.